Homicide possible in Shadyside trailer fire

October 16, 2012

SHADYSIDE - A trailer fire that broke out around 9 a.m. on Monday on Wegee Road has been ruled fatal as one person died in the blaze. The body or gender has not been determined as of now.

"We do not have a positive ID and that includes the gender," said Shane Cartmill, Ohio Fire Marshall office spokesman.

It has yet to be determined whether or not the fire was accidental or intentional.

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T-L Photo/KAYLA?VANDYNEEMEREGNCY?PERSONNEL from several local squads reponsded to a fire on Wegee Road near Shadyside Monday morning. The blaze is being investigated as a possible homicide.

"Just because we're called in does not necessarily mean there's a criminal or suspicious case. Some fire departments need help or don't have the capabilities or need assistance in major cases, such as a fatal fire," Cartmill said.

While Shadyside Fire Department, along with the tanker taskforce responded to the call. The taskforce was called in due to the lack of water in the nearby stream. The fire marshall was called in to further investigate the fire. At that point, the unidentified body was not found yet.

At this point, state fire officials will carry out their own investigation. Belmont County Sheriff's Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal of Investigation will conduct an investigation as well. An autopsy will be performed with the report returning within 24 to 48 hours.

The trailer is still standing, though suffered major damage. Where the fire began has not been determined as well.